Explore the Amana Colonies: German Food, Local Beer & Historic Charm

A visit to Amana Colonies in Iowa is like taking a trip back in time. Luckily, there are modern day amenities available even with such a unique, historical setting. There is plenty of things to do in Amana and the nearby colonies, though it’s best to just take it easy during your relaxing visit.

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Where are the Amana Colonies?

The Amana Colonies are a National Historic Landmark. It’s a picturesque set of towns that reflect the pride citizens have in their Amana heritage. The colonies consist of Amana, East Amana, High Amana, Middle Amana, South Amana, West Amana, and Homestead. 

Sleep in a (former) mill

One of Iowa’s newest hotels is in a former textile mill. The Hotel Millwright is housed in a building that was once a part of an 8-acre mill complex. Back in the 1800s, the mills — and the textiles produced in them — were essential to the colonists’ communal living. They produced goods for the community to use, but supported the colony by producing textiles to sell around the U.S.

Each room at Hotel Millwright is unique and features historical art inspired by the work areas in the mill: The Dye House, Bale House, and Spinning Building.

Things for kids around the Amana Colonies

While taking kids shopping isn’t what most parents consider a good time, there are a few shops kids will like. I recommend The Little Red Wagon Toy Store and The Noble Stone – A World of Treasures, both located in Amana.

Take the kids to West Amana and show them Iowa’s largest rocking chair located at The Broom and Basket Shop. They can sit on it for a fun photo.

Eat German food at these must-visit places

For a family dinner, it doesn’t get much better than the family-style dining at a few of Amana’s famous German restaurants. Each has a specialty they’re known for. Ox Yoke Inn is known for their pork and the delicious strawberry jam. The Ronneburg Restaurant is said to have the best herbed cottage cheese, but their Amana pancakes are extra special.

The meals are large. At Ox Yoke, the Family Banquet Feast consisted of bread and homemade strawberry jam, two cold salads, fried chicken, roast beef, ham, green beans and the best buttery potatoes ever.

No time for a full meal? Plan a stop at Amana Meat Shop and Smokehouse in Amana. Samples abound for meat and cheese… even Schwartenmagen, or head cheese. Otherwise, Amana Colonies Bakery & Cafe is a solid choice.

Drive the loop

The Amana Colonies Trail is a 17-mile loop on taking you to see most of the Amana Colonies and all of the tourist attractions. Take Highway 220 which passes through all seven villages. It’s scenic, but not something kids are going to enjoy (I know this from experience).

Attend a festival

Depending on your interests, plan a trip to attend one of the annual festivals held in the Colonies, including Maifest, Iowa Renaissance Festival and Oktoberfest.

• Maifest, a German festival to celebrate the start of spring (first weekend in May). There’s a parade, as well as traditional Maipole dancing all weekend long.
• Iowa Renaissance Festival (held on various weekends May and October). It’s got everything you’d expect from a Renaissance festival: Sword fighting, good food, and horseback jousting. 
• Oktoberfest, a celebration with live music, German food and beer, and games (first weekend in October)

Go to Iowa’s oldest brewery

Millstream Brewing Co., the oldest brewery in the state, is located in Amana. They brew more than two dozen different beers each year. If it’s available, try the Schild Brau Amber.